University of Nicosia in the World’s Top 501–600 Universities in THE World University Rankings 2026

The University Ranks 1^st for Research Quality Amongst the Greek and Cypriot Universities

The University of Nicosia (UNIC) has once again been recognised among the world’s leading universities, reaffirming its position as a global centre of excellence in higher education and research.

In the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, UNIC is ranked among the top 501–600 universities worldwide for the fourth consecutive year. The University also ranks among the top 151 universities in the European Union and 1^st amongst the Greek and Cypriot Universities for Research Quality.

This continued success underscores the University of Nicosia’s enduring leadership in research and innovation within Cyprus, Greece, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. UNIC’s consistent standing among the world’s leading universities reflects a sustained upward trajectory and a strong institutional commitment to advancing knowledge that addresses global challenges. Through strategic investment in research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international partnerships, the University continues to expand its academic and societal impact.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 evaluated 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and territories across five key performance areas: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry, and International Outlook. In this increasingly competitive and data-driven global landscape, UNIC’s ongoing prominence demonstrates the effectiveness of its research strategy and its unwavering focus on excellence, innovation, and impact — particularly in Research Quality, where it ranks 1^st amongst the Greek and Cypriot Universities.

Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, Rector of the University, commented on this year’s results: “The University of Nicosia has developed, during the years, into a leading global institution. Building on its high-quality teaching and learning educational environment, it has evolved into one of the top research universities. The University ranks 1^st amongst the Greek and Cypriot Universities in Research Quality, the most important and most heavily weighted Performance Indicator of the THE WUR methodology. This indicator encompasses 4 sub-indicators: citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence. I would like to wholeheartedly thank, once more, the entire University community, including the teaching, research, and administrative personnel, as well as our students and alumni, who continue to propel us forward to ever greater milestones”.

Professor Dimitris Drikakis, Vice President for Global Partnerships and Executive Director of the University’s Research and Innovation Office, added: “This recognition by Times Higher Education highlights the University of Nicosia’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our research spans a broad range of fields — from engineering and health sciences to social sciences and the humanities — united by a shared aim of tackling global challenges through interdisciplinary work. Achieving the #1 position in Research Quality amongst the Greek and Cypriot Universities showcases the quality and dedication of our faculty, researchers, and students, whose work continually pushes the boundaries of knowledge. Moving forward, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge research that not only raises academic standards but also benefits society and the global scientific community”.

This year’s THE World University Rankings achievement adds to the University of Nicosia’s impressive portfolio of international recognitions by Times Higher Education, including its distinguished performance in the 2025 THE WUR per Subject where UNIC consistently leads amongst the Greek and Cypriot Universities across multiple academic disciplines including Business and Economics, Education Studies, Psychology (joint position), and Social Sciences (joint position).